The Nation of Islam is a hate group? Not!

Let’s step into “The Upper Situation Room”, sit down at the table and discuss hate for a second.

If you have received your education about the Nation of Islam from the media, then more than likely you have heard we’re accused of being a hate group. I guess we can thank the misguided researchers at the Southern Poverty Law Center, the heads of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), the FBI, the CIA, mainstream media and others for their contributions to this outright recycled lie.

Yes, it is a lie.

We could argue this point with volumes of information but I only want to provide you with these two points to show that we are not a hate group and that the true haters and terrorists do not belong to the Nation of Islam under Minister Farrakhan.

Point #1: A White Judge rules that The Muslim Program is not racially inflammatory

After I posted my first blog on this website, I was unsurprisingly attacked as a “blogger of hate” plus someone wrote the Chronicle Editors to ask that I be removed from Houston Belief on the grounds that an aspect of our belief system is racially inflammatory. This individual says that The Muslim Program, which appears on the inside back cover of every edition of our newspaper The Final Call, is racially inflammatory.

I am sorry to disappoint you, but you must not have heard the latest news out of Louisiana wherein a White U.S. District Judge said otherwise.

Yes, he is White.

A Louisiana inmate named Henry Leonard was being unconstitutionally denied The Final Call newspaper in the David Wade Correctional Center (DWCC). Attorneys representing Louisiana claimed on behalf of prison officials that the reason behind the censorship was that content inside the newspaper was deemed racially inflammatory–in particular The Muslim Program. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Louisiana backed a lawsuit by Mr. Leonard and filed it May 2007, which was a year after he was restricted from receiving copies of the weekly Nation of Islam newspaper.

What was the outcome? After hearing all of the evidence including a nearly 200-page deposition presented by Nation of Islam Attorney Ava Muhammad, Judge Donald Walter of Shreveport, La., ruled in favor of the plaintiff on March 31 of this year.

He made this ruling on the basis that the prison officials could not deliver any evidence that The Final Call newspaper was the source of any violence. “Again, this Court is concerned that the complete banning of the publication because of the inclusion of “The Muslim Program” is an exaggerated response to DWCC’s concern about racially inflammatory material,” Judge Walter wrote in his 21-page ruling.

The Department of Homeland Security improperly gathered intelligence on the Nation of Islam for eight months in 2007 when the leader of the black Muslim group, Louis Farrakhan, was in poor health and appeared to be yielding power, according to government documents…The intelligence gathering violated domestic spying rules because analysts took longer than 180 days to determine whether the U.S-based group or its American members posed a terrorist threat…

I am sure you’re wondering what they found on us, right? According to the article:

“Charles E. Allen, who was DHS undersecretary for intelligence and analysis at the time, said that although violations were unintentional and inadvertent — only publicly available information was collected — the report should never have been issued. “The [Nation of Islam] organization — despite its highly volatile and extreme rhetoric — has neither advocated violence nor engaged in violence,” Allen wrote in a March 2008 memo. “Moreover, we have no indications that it will change its goals and priorities, even if there is a near-term change in the organization’s leadership.”

So, let’s please stop categorizing those who speak truth with those who advocate hate and violence. I am pretty sure if Jesus of 2,000 years ago was speaking in the streets today, his strong words would be taken out of context in the news. He would be called a hate teacher depending on who is reporting.

The Nation of Islam advocates mental and spiritual resurrection–not hate. We teach our people to love themselves. What’s wrong with that? You do it for your own. We have no history of plotting attacks, bombing any synagogues, churches or mosques. We don’t even carry so much as a pen knife.

Next time in “The Upper Situation Room” we’re going to go into anti-Semitism. Is Farrakhan really an anti-Semite?

As Salaam Alaikum = Peace Be Unto You (John 20:19, 21). I am interested in what the reactions will be of the readers, who think ill of Minister Farrakhan and what he teaches in light of the ruling of Judge Donald Walter.

I am interested what the reactions will be of the readers, who think ill of Minister Farrakhan and what he teaches in light of what Charles E. Allen of DHS (the Department of Homeland Security) published in his findings.

I applaud the writer of this article for using up to date legal circumstances to prove that The Nation of Islam is not a hate group. There is no dogma, only facts. I hope the editors of the Chronicle will continue to allow Jessie Muhammad to write in their news publications to allow everyone the right to know the difference of facts from falsehood.

The name NOI is a misnomer as the stated beliefs of the NOI are not Islam but Black Nationalism and Self-Help plus Masonry.

People who do good to help the downtrodden are to be lauded but the problem arises when people think that the NOI has anything to do with Islam, which is based upon the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah or Habits/Ways/Recommendations of Prophet Muhammad (saws) of Arabia.

The worst thing about the NOI is their claim that some human being is now Allah (swt) or God plus their past racist stands to counter America’s racist ways. Names have a defined connotation plus people associate much with real Islam, so maybe one day you will change and/or drop the ancient rhetoric and lies while continuing the good works.

The greatest sin in Islam is shirk (the Arabic word) which describes associating partners with Allah (swt) [God] and then telling lies about God.

Then, perhaps all of your good deeds will be in vain as Allah (swt) Punishes you for lies and fabrications made up, even if you meant good or someone misguided you.

The current irony of the NOI is that Elijah Muhammad denounced his own previous words and statements in 1974 (don’t believe me, then reread an original ‘Muhammad Speaks’ from then) and then pointed the old NOI towards Qur’an while Farrakhan reversed this later on!

No offense meant but Islam is well defined and what you claim is not Al-Islam but plain shirk and very sinful. Farrakhan also knows better as he has been on Hajj.

Trying to fix a problem of racism by lying about God and using His Religion to coerce people to change is really a huge sin and the NOI is perhaps a victim of the ego and rantings of Farrakhan even when he does good things.

Perhaps one day, you will be guided to Al-Islam and then understand this post.

And I totally disagree with you. But instead of responding to you entirely in this comment box I will be happy to do an entire blog on this site to prove that The Nation of Islam is not guilty of shirk, the Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad never deviated from his message in ’74 and that the example/guidance of Minister Farrakhan is right in line with the Sunnah of the Prophet (PBUH). Also, I have watched Saviours’ Day 1974 several times.

The facts are most times hard to deal with if you’re bent on believing a lie. Bro Jesse journalist, blogger, defense lawyer maybe? Keep it coming Houston Chronicle; don’t bend to fear and lies of NOI haters. Some of what you wrote, brother, no matter how plain you made it and backed it up with facts and information from other sources, it just went over some people’s heads.

I am trying to figure out why the NOI gets attacked by their on Muslim brothers when it looks like to me they have done more in transforming people with Islam than any other sect in America. Plus I watch a video on YouTube of Farrakhan being received around the world by scholars of what you call Al-Islam. If they not real Muslims, why are the scholars of the world showing love?

I am not attacking the NOI but merely trying to set the record straight and no, the NOI is not a group of Muslims, though in America they are indeed the start or introduction to Al-Islam by many Muslims who have largely moved on to Al-Islam and left the racist stereotypes alone.

The primary belief in Islam is there is no God besides Allah (swt) and that Prophet Muhammad (saws) of Arabia is His last Prophet (as) and also the seal of Prophethood (meaning no other Prophet will ever come after him).

Any belief other than that takes you clearly out of the fold of Al-Islam, so it is a matter of setting the record straight and not bashing anyone, as they also have to answer to God on Judgment Day.

The NOI does great work among African-Americans but the facts of their claims point out to them not being Muslims.

1. They believe that ‘god’ came in the person of some Master Fard Muhammad, an earth human and mystic.

2. They believe that Elijah Muhammad is some ‘prophet’ after Prophet Muhammad (saws).

3. They believe that people other than African-Americans are not the “original man’ (at one time even other people of African descent not from America or even Latinos were not allowed to enter the NOI), are even devils and that they will one day rule the world.

4. They do good deeds to uplift downtrodden people but Al-Islam is a Universal religion and the Last Revelation and Religion from God to all of humanity irrespective as to your ethnicity or country of origin. All of humanity came from Prophet Adam and they denounce this over some erroneous reading of what Allah (swt) Said that He (swt) Created us all from mud or even black stinking clay or mud.

We need to discuss these differences with what Islam authentically teaches and then compare to their stances.

First I think you are attacking and getting emotional. Just because you was there back in the 70’s doesn’t mean you have the full understanding. We’re all students with much more to learn.

And you are contradicting yourself.

You said: “…though in America they are indeed the start or introduction to Al-Islam by many Muslims”

Ques: How can the NOI be the start or introduction to something they are not teaching and practicing? (i.e Al-Islam)

2) And also you never responded to my question as to why the Islamic scholars of the world have received Farrakhan as they have. Did you watch the YouTube video I posted? If he is not a real Muslim why are they showing him love and such a reception? I see people of ALL races trying to embrace Farrakhan in that video…why is that if he is not teaching the universal message of Islam?

3)Correct me if I misinterpreted your statement but if you do not believe that the Black man is the original man of the Earth then you have alot of studying to do. With all due respect. Even White scientist have agreed we’re the original people.

Lastly, I think you should be careful not to sit in the seat of Judge because a man’s work bears witness to his beliefs. Too many of us talk religion but few have the guts to take it to the streets and reform the people with what they know. I believe we will be judged more on what we did with what we know versus how well we quoted this book or that book.

From what I see on Brother Jesse’s other blog, he and others are practicing their faith. And backing it with action. Thats the way regardless if you’re a Muslim, Christian or Jew.

It is very refreshing to see such an intellectual response from an educated Black man void of rhetoric and as @brothereugene said dogma. I am sure any of us might have just went off emotionally without getting our point across.

I honestly used to have my personal issues with some of the things the NOI Leader has said in the past but I came to realized that I was just checking out snippets here and there and not really listening fully to what was being said in its proper context.

Your blog is helping me to be more open. I am a Christian to the heart but as a Black woman I love seeing what is being done with Black men in the NOI because the world has turned its back on the young brothers. It’s not about religion, its about upliftment.

The more correct statement would have been that the NOI was the inspiration for many Muslims of African descent to now study and learn Islam from Qur’an and the Sunnah or Ways/Habits of Prophet Muhammad (saws) of Arabia.

In other words people examined the NOI and found Al-Islam after leaving it alone.

Sorry not getting emotional.

There are many Islamic Scholars who have lauded the works of Farrakhan and many have also avoided him.

I heard they even gave him his shahadah or Islamic pledge before allowing him to enter Saudi Arabia and make Hajj, but his claims about ‘god’ being Fard or master Farad Muhammad takes him out of the fold of Islam plus his belief about Elijah being some ‘prophet’ after Prophet Muhammad (saws) of Arabia also makes him not a Muslim, as these are the basic beliefs or the bedrock of Islamic beliefs.

I really do not need to watch YouTube or anything similar, as anyone can edit and make a video, so what?

Islam is not a popularity contest or such!

I have the Qur’an as my proofs plus the words and statements of Farrakhan that constantly damn him.

I wish one day that he really becomes a Muslim since he is older and closer to death, as many Muslims have tried over the years to help him, but he seems fixated on self-glorification and spreading ignorance while perhaps damning his good deeds over the years.

You cannot have differing beliefs about Allah (swt) and some foolish claim about ‘god’ appearing on Earth in the form of a human being and still be Muslim.

You still sound like you’re Farrakhan’s Judge. I doubt if the Qur’an teaches you to act as another man’s judge.

Its interesting how you want someone to hear your points yet you refused to watch the video I shared. That shows that you’re very closed minded and think you know it all. I doubt you do because nobody does. So please humble yourself because again I don’t think that any Prophet taught arrogance.

That video was not about popularity it was about proof that some of the most respected scholars of YOUR Al-Islam has received Minister Farrakhan. But you’re too arrogant to even consider it because you obviously have hostility in your heart for this man. I pray for you because envy is a destructive vice according to the Bible.

My last question to you is: Does your works of transforming your fellow man with Islam match or exceed Farrakhan’s? That’s the real question.

I have been following him for decades and he’s not only touching lives in America but all over the world.

Lastly, I will say I that I honestly don’t understand every thing about Islam and the differences between the sects but I can say with my own eyes that the NOI has been the most effective so whatever they believe in must be powerful.

First, I thank you Brother Jesse for sharing this great information. I will research this further.

It’s a shame how people can’t stop the religious gang-banging. This person @MuslimDefender is only trying to taint the good works of Farrakhan. You’re too late, Farrakhan has touch and inspiredtens of millions of all races even some Orthodox Jews. Get over it bro.

Stay focused Brother Jesse. You all are doing great work and please keep writing.

I learned alot just by reading this. I’m not in the NOI but I have visited a few mosques before. And before I attended I’m not going to lie, I thought you all just hated White people, sold bean pies and didn’t eat pork.

But I learned that there is more to the NOI than my limited perception. I actually heard one of ministers break down the origin of White people and it was not hate because they backed it up with science and history. It was interesting. Now, I will agree that when they speak, especially Farrakhan, they can get very passionate and it can come across as hate or racism. But in truth its not.

When I think about what was done to my people for 400 years, that angers me. That history can not be denied and whenever someone talks about it–they are labeled a hate teacher. No, that Black holocaust is truth no matter how painful it is.,

I think any group who challenges the powers that be will be called haters.

Bravo Bro Jesse! You bring the truth as stated in the NOI and provide facts to back it up. That’s the kind of reading I can appreciate. I am so proud of you and support you 100%. As the mother of two young men who grew into great men thanks to the teachings and training of the NOI, I am a living witness to the good it has done. The proof is in the pudding and nobody can dispute that. Peace

I defend your right to have your own spot on HoustonBelief, if not for any other reason, then because there are so many ideas that need to be cleared up about the NOI.

So far, I have heard only allegations by others and refutations by you. Now I would like to hear from the horse’s mouth, who you are, what is your affirmation of faith.

Remember, as a Muslim, I am bound to believe what you say. If you say you are a Muslim, then I am bound to believe that you are, unless your beliefs go against or miss any essential ingredient of Iman (belief), according to the following hadith:

Narrated Abu Huraira:

One day while the Prophet was sitting in the company of some people, (The angel) Gabriel came and asked, “What is faith?” Allah’s Apostle replied, ‘Faith is to believe in Allah, His angels, (the) meeting with Him, His Apostles, and to believe in Resurrection.”

I am not interested what brother Farakhan or anyone else believed 40 years ago or 40 minutes ago. Please, what are your beliefs at this point in time. I am particularly interested in your belief as to:1. Who is to created man and all other creation. 2. The end of revelation with prophet Muhammed s.a.w.

Thank you all for the comments, feedback and critique. You are helping me to produce a series of blogs I will most to give clarity about the beliefs of the Nation of Islam.

@MuslimDefender Thank you! Keep them coming. I will “respond” to you in a thorough blog in the best of manner as the Holy Qu’ran instructs us. I will share with you and others what the Hon. Elijah Muhammad and Minister Farrakhan has taught straight from the Qur’an that proves that us saying that God is a Man is not shirk. Plus to show and prove we follow the Quran and the Hadith….and your cannot detach your beliefs from your actions. Our mission is to take Islam to the people not just to philosophy about it. Allah is looking at that as well.

@FreeddomThinker Wow…you have been doing some reading up on the NOI from what I see I appreciate your comments and openness.

@Creative Sistah That’s a motivating comment. Thank you for sharing how you evolved from just listening to snippets. Also, the Honorable Elijah Muhammad once said that “a good Christian is a good Muslim and a good Muslim is a good Christian”. Again, I was raised in the church, matter of fact one of the pastors who raised me is a fellow blogger on this site

@ObamaSupporter2010 Thank you! I am very focused and enjoying this dialogue.

You said: “I am not interested what brother Farakhan or anyone else believed 40 years ago or 40 minutes ago.”

Thank you kindly for your comment but with all due respect, I cannot and will not detach myself from Hon. Elijah Muhammad or Minister Farrakhan because I am a student of their message. My foundation is them. So when I write theses blogs, you are reading who I am.

Yes, I studied these Teachings for myself because Min. Farrakhan teaches us not to take things on face value but to study for ourselves. We’re not a robotic congregation in the NOI, we’re students. So to answer your question, I not only believe what I blog, but I KNOW its the truth.

I believe that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger. I believe in the Hadith you quoted.

Yes, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the Seal of the Prophets. But the Qur’an also talks about a Warner/Messenger being sent to a people to whom no warner had come. Many came to Arabia before the Prophet (PBUH), so who was that talking about?

If you think that God is a man (astagfirullah), then you are perhaps crazier than I thought.

I heard with my own ears and saw it also being spoken, when Elijah said that he was now “god’.

I don’t think that you have a clue as to what the Arabic term that is “SHIRK” really means and also that this is an unpardonable sin.

I really am sorry for you and your confusion plus this gross sin of yours.

Allah (swt) is Allah (swt)!

Look up the Arabic terms – majnoon and munafiquun!

Also, if you believe that there is also some ‘prophet’ or ‘warner’ after Prophet Muhammad (saws), then you have made the same mistake of the Bahai’s and others plus you are a dajjal (liar) and have offered us here clear proofs of you not being a Muslim and not understanding Al-Islam.

Your belief that some ‘warner’ was needed also means that you are denying directly Allah (swt) Statement in Qur’an when He (swt) States – ‘This Day, I have perfected your religion and named it Al-Islam’.

Therefore you are denying Allah (swt), His Sovereignty, His Prophet Muhammad (saws), His Qur’an and also His Statement about Muhammad (saws) being the Last Prophet (as) and also the Seal of Prophethood. You are also denying that The Qur’an is complete and Al-Islam is complete as now you claim some additional need for someone after the complete Message of Qur’an.

I came across your blog this morning and I welcome you to HoustonBelief. I am not a fellow blogger but a reader. I too am of the fold of Al-Islam and although a few of the things you all have said disturbs me, I am willing to listen and learn your perspective on Qur’an as you have learned from Mr. Elijah Muhammad.

But not only that, I am looking forward to reading your view on how we as Muslims can do a better job in taking our message to those who truly need it instead of us sitting up in our mosques all day and night just reciting, praying and fellowshipping with Muslims only. We have a job to do just like the Prophet (saws) did and that is to bring light to a world in darkness.

To my fellow Muslim @MuslimDefender your language is very inappropriate as a so-called Muslim. Allah (swt) warns us against being a judge and you are in no position to say who will go to hell or get the Wrath of Allah (swt) especially to a fellow Muslim. How dare you? It seems there is a different interpretation of Qur’an here but we have countless sects in Islam that see the Qur’an and Hadith differently. So are you going to condemn the entire Muslim world to hell? Because in truth many of them have bowed down to the powers of the government and many of us hide our light and only keep it for ourselves. That’s not the way of the Prophet (saws).

This brother has not denied the truth of Quran nor the Hadith of the Prophet (swt). Its obvious he loves both. Please stop calling this brother crazy (majnoon) and a religion hypocrite (munafiquun).

You do not know this brother and you’re being a hyprocrite because you’re judging him when you are NOT Allah (swt) and plus the Qur’an teaches us to argue in the BEST of manner. While you’re calling him names in a childish manner, Brother Jesse is responding to all of this criticisms in a dignified manner. You are making yourself look crazy (majnoon) to all of the non-Muslims. If you have points, then state them. But to keep calling him names, you’re not representing the Prophet (saws)…so maybe you need to look in the mirror and maintain your Al-Islam dignity…if that’s who you really are. I don’t think your motivate is to educate but it is only to disrupt. This only divides the Ummah further. If you haven’t noticed, all Muslims are under attack today regardless if its Al-Islam or the Nation of Islam.

Brother Jesse, I don’t agree totally with you, but I am open to the dialogue. And I thank you for not getting caught up in a childish back and forth with someone whose mannerisms do not reflect high intelligence. Even if we disagree, we have to maintain our Islamic posture

Lastly, I took a look at your other blog and I love how you’re going to the schools to reach the young people. I would like to know how you’re getting into the schools with the name Muhammad?(smile)

Unfortunately, I am aware of the NOI and the person’s post about “god” being a human being (astagfirullah) is perhaps a tip off as to them not being Muslim.

The Qur’an tells us to argue or discuss with the people of the Book in the best of terms but this person denies Allah (swt) and also claims that there is some ‘prophet’ after Rasul’ullah (saws) and thus liar, hypocrite and fraud.

The Ummah is indeed under attack worldwide and thus add this nonsense of the NOI to this very attack.

You change with your hands, your tongue and at least make du’at concerning the munkar and then stay away from those who lie about Allah (swt) and His Prophet, Muhammad (saws) OR we are Warned in Qur’an – to TAKE YOUR SEAT in Hell.

I found out about this blog via your Facebook page and I have yet to visit the mosque in Houston but I have learned alot about Islam just by following you.

Brother you are a shining example of how to put your faith into action instead of just sitting by reciting the books you read. That has been my challenged to self that I need to be more of a doer than just a reader of the word of God. I honestly have a fear of rejection but I know that many reject Jesus, Noah, Moses and even you alls prophet Muhammad. So it comes with the territory.

Watching you online is motivating me to be a Christian of action and also Pastor Rudy of St. Johns. Both of you are awesome men of God.

I am going to keep reading and supporting what you all are doing. With the help of God I will get myself involved in my community with what I know because people need guidance–especially the youth.

And that is something I would love to see you address on here: How can we make religion more attractive to young people? Because every church I have attended is mostly filled with older people who oversee every dept. Do you all have that problem in the NOI? How can a church or organization thrive without youth? Is that really possible?

@Muslim Defender: In both the Holy Qur’an and Bible, Allah (God) “hears, thinks, walks, sees, judges, etc.” You, yourself lastly stated “I would tread carefully lest one incurs The Wrath of Allah (swt).” How do you incur something from Someone that is not a living being? Matter of fact, He is the Supreme Being!

We are made in HIS image and likeness. To actively be involveed in this course of study (a.k.a. “blog”), please look up the definitions to the following words: being, image, likeness, and supreme.

Bro. Jesse is coming to something that is the Ultimate Debate of All Time…WHO IS GOD? Please stay tuned…

@MuslimDefender I agree with Shakur Al-Nur that your language is very inappropriate and does not represent high scholarship that you claim to have. You’re only making those who hate Muslims very happy to see you attacking another Muslim. Or you could be someone “posing” as a online Muslim just to start controvery…hmmmm. I have seen this on YouTube alot.

My question to you is: Where are your works in the community to show that you are who you say you are?

Brother Jesse and the NOI have works that bear witness to their beliefs. Why are you spreading hate on this blog?

AoA, welcome to HoustonBelief from another blogger. I’m from A Liberal Muslim Blog. Please check it out if you get a chance.

First, a comment to all the non-NOI Muslims attacking Br. Jesse. Please keep your comments civil and respectful. You have the right to your beliefs, but you do not have the right to call anyone a nonbeliever. Only Allah will be the judge of that. Also, it is possible to disagree or question Br. Jesse about the NOI without inflammatory comments and/or rhetoric, which is what I am about to do.

Br. Jesse, I know this is off topic vis a vi your blog, but you have promised a clarification of the NOI’s alignment to classical Islamic tenants. In particular, I would hope that you would address the following:

1) Does the NOI recognize Allah as the one and only Deity, having no partners, sons, or equal?

2) Does the NOI recognize that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) is the last and final messenger of Allah?

3) Is your comment about the “one who comes after” Prophet Muhammad a reference to the Imam Mahdi, “The Guided One,” which, according to Hadith, will precede the return of Prophet Jesus (a.s.)?

4) Does the NOI support the idea of racial superiority or inferiority in any way?

5) Does the NOI believe that the honorable Elijah Muhammad or any other person will have the ability to intercede on the behalf of any human on the Day of Judgement?

My apologies if any of these questions seem motivated, ignorant, or rude. My knowledge of NOI is restricted to what I have read in the media, the autobiography of Malcolm X, and anecdotal information passed to me by friensd and family.

Your language is not shocking to me nor disturbing. I keep a smile on my face as the wattage of your comments continue to get lower and lower. Let’s maintain a Muslim posture as others have advised you. But if you choose to keep doing it, then you’re only hurting yourself–not me. If you believe I am going to hell, then let me be. Why continue to argue if you already think I have been sentenced to the abyss of the Hell fire? Why waste your time?

I stated I would answer your question in a forthcoming blog and I will. I have nothing to be fearful about nor hide. The NOI has been completely open about our beliefs through the representation of Minister Farrakhan. So, once and for all yes we’re Muslims. Take it or leave. May Allah bless you with the Light of Understanding.

@Shakur Al-Nur

As Salaam Alaikum. I appreciate your comment and demeanor. Insha’Allah through my blog I will continue to educate people further about the NOI wherein we have been greatly misunderstood. As for speaking in the schools, yes Allah has blessed me to penetrate the system with the name Muhammad. It has taken time and some schools still will not have us inside out of fear. But I will share more of that soon! I actually spoke at Glover Elementary this morning….looking forward to dialoguing with you as well.

Thank you my sister for that AMAZING and UPLIFTING comment. Please know that I am still a work in progress and Allah (God) is not finished with me yet so the best I can do is to keep on striving to be a better man of faith everyday by practicing what I preach (write). Also Min. Farrakhan has advised us in the NOI that everything we do must be rooted in good character. So I am a man “under construction” (smile)

That’s what I encourage you to do. Keep on striving. Start with something small at your church and get involved. You will gain momentum and soon you will see yourself all over the place serving God’s people.

Also, Pastor Rudy helped to raise me when I was growing up in St. Johns. I love that brother dearly!! And the work he does for the homeless needs to be duplicated everywhere.

Your last question regarding making youth attracted to religion is SERIOUS. I actually have that down on the list as a forthcoming blog and will raise your questions to the readers. But to quickly answer, there is no way our religious institutions or organizations can thrive without youth. They may can still exist but they will lose their impact on the community because they lack the young legs to push the movement forward…but also young people need to step up too and stop waiting.

1) Does the NOI recognize Allah as the one and only Deity, having no partners, sons, or equal?

Yes. We believe in the One God whose proper Name is Allah.

2) Does the NOI recognize that Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) is the last and final messenger of Allah?

We believe Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.) was the Seal of Prophets as written in the Holy Quran but not the last Messenger of Allah.

3) Is your comment about the “one who comes after” Prophet Muhammad a reference to the Imam Mahdi, “The Guided One,” which, according to Hadith, will precede the return of Prophet Jesus (a.s.)?

Yes. We believe that Master Fard Muhammad is the long-awaited Mahdi of the Muslims.

4) Does the NOI support the idea of racial superiority or inferiority in any way?

No. History shows that this very idea of racial superiority/inferiority was actually promoted, supported and enforced upon us when our forefathers was brought to America to be made slaves. Black people still have a complex of inferiority whether people agree with it or not. The Hon. Elijah Muhammad and Min. Farrakhan teaches/supports the idea of first loving self.

5) Does the NOI believe that the honorable Elijah Muhammad or any other person will have the ability to intercede on the behalf of any human on the Day of Judgement?

The duty of the Messenger is just to deliver the clear message. We’re held accountable for how we chose to receive or reject that message. Its not about what we profess, its what we practice.

The statement about whether the NOI is anti-Semitic is questionable — and the story you have a link to proves it. We seem to forget that Jews marched side by side with African Americans during the civil rights era, that Israel is the only nation in the entire history of the world that brought Black people out of poverty and desperation (Ethiopia) to a fully functioning, pluralistic Western democracy and that Louis Farakhan, on more than one occasion, made overt anti-Jewish remarks. To deny that is to deny history. We should be focused on building bridges not posting lies and fostering hatred.

Wow! First, Brother Jesse, you are doing a wondeful job with your other blogs as well as this one. I have learned alot about the Nation of Islam from you. The evidence you present shows clearly that the NOI is NOT a hate group. I hope those that see differently will check out your works or do research for themselves before ‘publicly’ calling it such. At lease be able to back up their claims.

“The statement about whether the NOI is anti-Semitic is questionable — and the story you have a link to proves it. ”

NO IT DOESNT, if you think so PROVE it

“We seem to forget that Jews marched side by side with African Americans during the civil rights era….”We also “seem” to forget that Jews had a Leading role in the slave trade. We also seem to forget that many Jews run media which consistently portrays and reproduces negative stereotypes of Black people. We also “seem” to forget that it was Jews who opposed affrimative action. Since this is a religious blog, we also “see” to not know that they have stolen the identity of the TRUE children of Israel, Black People in America.

“that Israel is the only nation in the entire history of the world that brought Black people out of poverty and desperation (Ethiopia) to a fully functioning”REALLY, didnt you know that Ethiopia wa/is the only country that was not colonized and conquered by western powers. To be honest Ethiopia may have been better off without the help. Now she is plunged in debt.

” that Louis Farakhan, on more than one occasion, made overt anti-Jewish remarks.” PROVE IT!! He’s NEVER done so. If you think so, prove it!

We Believe Allah appeared to us in the Person of Master Fard Muhammad. This is NOT against Quran or Sunnah. We do not believe Elijah Muhammad to be a prophet. We believe him to be the Messenger of Allah to us. NONE of this is against Quran

“Islam is not a popularity contest or such!” THATS RIGHT!! this is why we, NOI, are not obligated to follow what the so-called scholars think about matters of Religion. We follow precisely what Allah revealed in Quran and Sunnah.

“I have the Qur’an as my proofs plus the words and statements of Farrakhan that constantly damn him.” YES,QURAN IS PROOF THAT WE ARE RIGHT AND EXACT! Also, History

“I wish one day…”He’s made shahadah. Who ARE YOU 2 say he’s not a muslim.

“You cannot have differing beliefs about Allah (swt) and some foolish claim about ‘god’ appearing on Earth in the form of a human being and still be Muslim.”WHY CANT YOU HAVE DIFFERING BELIFES. Quran Says ALLAH will decide wherin we differ. As you stated above this is no popularity contest so the “majority opinion” is irrelevant if its wrong.

“That is ridiculous and also false plus un-Islamic!” PROVE IT

“Islam is defined by Allah (swt) [God] and not human beings – learn that, perhaps.” YOU ARE CORRECT. ISLAM HAS BEEN DEFINE BY ALLAH

“Nice conversing with you but Islam was already defined over 1400 years ago.”YOU ARE CORRECT. AND WE ARE CORRECT AND IN LINE WITH ISLAM AS GIVEN TO US BY ALLAH THROUGH THE PROPHET 1400 YEAR AGO!